Top marks awarded to Ellie and Lucy (and Molly + Sara) for riding in poor conditions, wearing shorts (pretty hardcore if you ask me) and, more impressively, not whinging about being wet, cold and dirty. Paul and I got some extra miles in and rode home afterwards.
In the run-up to Christmas, a couple of trips get organised and I pack the bike and hit the road. The start of the week is frustrating, from the cycling point of view, because events conspire against me and I miss every opportunity to ride. I make up for it later in the week with a return visit to Drum, but this time with some gears (see One Gear, No Idea for the last attempt).
Straight up, up, up from sea level to 3000' then pause and straight down, down, down but a good training run nonetheless. I got to the top just before dusk, so ate my bagel in peace (sitting on one of those stones) and waited for nightfall so that I could blast down in the dark !
The working week was due to finish in Bangor on Friday lunchtime, followed by the long drive home, but I tagged on a return visit to Bike Park Wales. This also meant that I could call into Rhayader on the way to Merthyr Tydfil and get another ride in on the Friday. I stayed with Paul at the Horseshoes and caught up with Clive and Francine, managed a loop of the Elan Valley, bonk hill, Roman camp and the golf links, followed by an excellent meal at The Lamb and Flag.
I think it has been raining a bit recently !
I got an early start on Saturday and arrived at BPW before the others - enough time for a second breakfast - before we all set off. Andrew, Brian, Jon and Rob (L-R below, as if it matters!) appear through the CLAG (cloud low, aircraft grounded - if you are interested) at the top of the 'Beast of Burden' climb.
We had another great day and, apart from one minor mechanical, enjoyed six hours of uninterrupted shredding in fabulous late-November weather.
We had a great Christmas with all the kids and, in between cooking and some DIY, I managed a three-hour road spin on the Whippet to flush some of the Merlot out of the system. The local loops have taken on a different complexion now we have moved and the 'quick-hour' doesn't feel quick anymore. There is hardly a level section on the whole route and some bits are steep enough to be torturous on the single-speed, but there is too much water and debris on the roads at the moment to bother with the ARC and the whole suffering process must be doing me some good, right ?
Efforts to get out with Club over Christmas failed as we have been busy at weekends and they often cancel in the evening if the weather is bad because most of them only have a road bike with skinny tyres. I tend to just get on with it regardless of weather.
Some good riding opportunities coming up in the next few weeks and a few days skiing to look forward to. This week I will mostly be cleaning bikes and servicing skis ...
